I've never hunted any upland birds. My brother in law invited me on his annual January pheasant trip in Kansas. Does anyone have any tips for someone that's never hunted this type of bird before?

Anything y'all can suggest would be appreciated. I don't mind reading links that you think would be informative or if you feel like typing out a response, that would be great too. I'm very excited but it's also making me a little nervous.

I'm going to have to buy clothing and boots for this, so if you want to make suggestions on that, I'd appreciate that too. I know it's going to be colder than a dead witch's nipple face down in the snow in January in Kansas.

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Originally Posted By: bill oxner

I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.

Buy or borrow an upland shotgun that 7# duck gun of yours will wear you out

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There is time, and you must take it, to lay your hand on your dog's head as you walk past him lying on the floor or on his settle, time to talk with him, to remember with him, time to please him, time you can't buy back once he's gone" GBE

If public hunting be ready to walk walk and walk some more, we avg 7.5 miles a day walking through the brush in SD. Bring a neck gator to keep that Jan wind from blowing down your neck. Broken in boots, good pants or chaps that can hold up to brush. Always be ready is a great point, you never know where that bird will come from.

Go to You tube and watch some videos. Well, first ask him if they hunt with dogs or drive the birds with a line of hunters with blockers at the other end of the field and watch videos of that type. At least you will have an idea of whats coming. Nothing to it either way, just be safe, wear some orange and have fun.

In January it is most likely driven birds. Take good boots, wool socks (much better than cotton or artificial--they are cooler, and your feet don't blister or get cold from sweat,) clothing that you can layer. A goretex or equivalent outer jacket.

Being new. Have everything ready to go before you get to the field, so all you have to do is throw on your vest, pull out your shotgun, walk through the gate, and load your gun. Don't be the guy your hunting partners have to wait on. If there are birds in the field near where your parked and you spend a lot of time adjusting gear, slamming doors, talking, etc, those late season educated birds will be moving to the other side of the field before you ever start hunting. This goes back to always be ready; always believe. Be ready from the moment you first leave the truck to the moment you get back to the truck. Do this and you will shoot the first bird at every stop often within 50 yards of the truck. If you have a sling on your shotgun, take it off.